CURBING METH PRODUCTION

To the Editor:

"With Cars as Meth Labs, Evidence Litters Roads" (news article, April
15) did an excellent job of illustrating the difficult job law
enforcement officials face in combating illegal methamphetamine use
and production. While you correctly point out that meth production is
growing throughout most of the country, I would like to point out that
Oregon is seeing dramatic results in its war on the illegal substance.

Oregon's law enforcement officials credit their success to a 2006 law
that requires a prescription to buy pseudoephedrine, the key
ingredient needed to manufacture meth. Before the law was established,
more than 500 meth labs a year were found in Oregon. Last year, there
were only 10.

There has been bipartisan support for duplicating Oregon's success in
other states. Gov. Haley Barbour, for example, signed into law a
similar prescription requirement for the state of Mississippi earlier
this year. But as we continue to see meth trafficked across state
borders, I believe that the country and Oregonians will benefit by
taking Oregon's law national. As you correctly point out, the health
and safety risks associated with meth use and production are far too
great to ignore.

Ron Wyden

U.S. Senator from Oregon

Washington